M.S., CSCS, USAW National Coach

Head Coach

Joshua Gibson is a strength coach with over a decade of experience in weightlifting and powerlifting as a coach, athlete, and educator. Based in West Virginia, he also serves as a high school strength coach, working with multiple teams and hundreds of student-athletes. He holds a Master’s in Applied Sport Science and Coach Education and is pursuing his PhD at West Virginia University, where his research focuses on isometric strength testing.

Josh offers 1:1 remote coaching, working with complete beginners to international caliber athletes in both weightlifting and powerlifting.

M.S., CF-L3, USAW Sport Performance Coach/Club Coach 

Assistant Coach

Derick has over a decade of experience in weightlifting and strength and conditioning as a coach and athlete. He has worked with athletes from beginners to collegiate and post-collegiate levels. Holding a Master’s in Analytics and a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science, Derick integrates data-driven insights with evidence-based training to optimize performance.

Derick offers 1:1 remote coaching, working with strength enthusiasts, individual and team sport athletes, and strength athletes (weightliftings and powerlifters) of all levels.

USAW-L1

Team Physical Therapist

Dr. Leah is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and USA Weightlifting Coach who blends science and empathy to help people move freely and perform their best.

After earning her Doctorate from the University of Miami, Leah coached at CrossFit Grandview and worked as a Travel PT, gaining broad experience across performance and rehabilitation.

Leah offers remote & in-person (central Ohio) rehab for seasoned athletes and those new to fitness.

PhD, University of Tennessee (2000)

Team Sport Psychologist

Dr. Peter Giacobbi is a Professor at West Virginia University whose work examines how mental skills and behavior change strategies enhance athletic performance and overall well-being. With a background in sport behavior, psychology, and education, his research centers on guided imagery to improve focus, skill learning, and performance in both sport and health settings.

As a consultant, Dr. Giacobbi offers personalized support to both individuals and teams as a sport psychologist. This includes teaching mental skills and supporting behavior change to improve performance and health outcomes.

PhD, CPSS*D, CSCS*D, USAW3, EP-C, mISC

Sport Science Consultant

Dr. Christopher Taber is an associate professor at Sacred Heart University. He serves as the graduate program director for the Exercise and Sport Science masters program. His work focuses on athlete testing and monitoring, strength and power development, and weightlifting. In addition, he is a national-level weightlifting coach and sport scientist, allowing him to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

As a consultant, Dr. Taber can provide guidance on sport science best practices for testing and monitoring athletes from diverse backgrounds. This includes starting, running, or updating current protocols for improving athlete performance.